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Source: POTRAZ says telecoms set for strong growth – herald

Nelson Gahadza

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) says the industry is positioned for strong growth following the deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) technology and the entry of global low-earth-orbit satellite service giant Starlink.

The sector is projected to experience accelerated growth on account of the growing adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

According to the POTRAZ first quarter 2025 sector performance report, Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) subscriptions registered a 32,02 percent increase in the first three months of this year.

“This is attributed to the continued increase in Starlink subscriptions,” reads part of the report.

Starlink falls under the VSAT umbrella, which saw subscriptions surging to 30 907 in the first quarter from 23 410 in the same period last year.

Starlink officially launched in Zimbabwe in September 2024 and has quickly gained popularity due to its low-cost satellite internet service.

The US headquarted internet service provider has significantly impacted the Zimbabwean market, with initial reports indicating 20 000 new subscribers registered in the first four months of the year.

During the quarter under review, active fibre subscriptions recorded a 2,36 percent growth to 81 287 compared to 2024. Fixed LTE subscriptions grew by 7,25 percent to 109 504 in the review period compared to 102105 in the same quarter last year.

Mobile internet subscriptions, the largest internet/data technology, registered a marginal 0,32 percent growth to 11 604 414 in the first quarter from 11 569 253 in the same period last year.

Overall, the total number of active internet/data subscriptions for the quarter under review increased by 0,45 percent 2024 levels to 11 942 857 in the first quarter of 2025.

The internet penetration rate, however, went down by 1,37 percentage points to 76,19 percent in the first quarter of this year, owing to a higher change in the population figure of 1,6 percent compared to an increase of 0,45 percent in internet/data subscriptions.

“Broadband penetration rate also went down by 1,15 percentage points from 75,52 percent to 74,37 percent, due to the same reason,” reads part of the report.

According to the report, revenue for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) declined by 4,20 percent from ZiG6,42 billion to ZiG6,15 billion in the first three months.

“Higher revenues in the previous quarter might have been driven by increased consumer spending due to the festive season, while back-to-school demands could have affected consumers’ spending power in the quarter under review,” POTRAZ said.

It noted that, on the other hand, aggregate operating costs for MNOs increased by 33,46 percent from ZiG2,8 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024 to ZiG3,68 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

“Meanwhile, MNO total capital expenditure decreased by 50 percent from ZiG842,20 million to ZiG423,81 million in the quarter under review.”

According to POTRAZ, internet/data services have become the biggest revenue contributor for the MNOs, as indicated by a move from a 48,91 percent contribution in the previous quarter to a 50,28 percent contribution in the quarter under review.

“This is attributed to the growing demand for data services and enhanced internet connectivity, as well as a continued shift in consumer preference from consumption of voice-centric services to data-centric services,” reads part of the report.

POTRAZ said as the MNOs strove to enhance connectivity, quality of service and network speeds, efforts were being made towards the deployment of 5G base stations across the country, and this was evidenced by a 53,33 percent increase in 5G deployments in the quarter under review.

The sector recorded a 1,38 percent increase in active mobile subscriptions from 15 677 094 recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 15 893 626 in the quarter under review.

However, despite an increase in the number of subscribers, the mobile penetration rate declined by 0,87 percentage points to 101,39 percent, owing to a corresponding increase in estimated population figures.

In the quarter under review, Econet and NetOne increased subscribers by 2,17 percent and 0,38 percent, respectively, whilst Telecel lost subscribers by 11,69 percent.

Mobile internet/data traffic increased significantly by 17,31 per cent from 97,19 Petabytes (PB) recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 114,02 PB in the quarter under review.

All mobile operators, save for Telecel, recorded internet/data traffic growth.

“The proliferation of smartphones and the popularity of social media platforms have continuously driven internet/data traffic in the country. Econet recorded a significant increase of 20,68 percent in traffic, followed by NetOne with 5,23 percent; meanwhile, Telecel recorded a significant decline of 18,26 percent,” POTRAZ said.

During the period under review, the total number of active fixed telephone subscriptions increased marginally by 0,91 percent from 298 047 in the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching 300 748 in the quarter under review.

Fixed teledensity, however, declined by a marginal 0,02 percentage points from 1,94 percent to 1,92 percent in the first quarter of 2025 owing to the 1,6 percent growth in the population figure based on estimates by ZimStat, compared to the 0,91 percent growth in fixed subscriptions.

According to the report, postal and courier volumes declined by 3,88 percent to 316 298 in the first quarter of 2025.

The total number of operational postal and courier outlets increased from 511 to 516 outlets recorded in the first quarter of 2025.

Resultantly, postal and courier revenues, operating costs and capital expenditure declined by 15 percent, 21 percent and 68 percent, respectively.

The post POTRAZ says telecoms set for strong growth  appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: IDBZ poised to expand infrastructure spectrum – herald

Michael Tome-Business Reporter

THE Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) has broadened its spectrum of infrastructure projects to propel the country towards its Vision 2030 of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.

Following the success of the bank’s Clipsham Views Phase One, which delivered nearly 1 000 residential stands in Masvingo, the IDBZ has commenced phase two of the programme, expanding over 100 hectares under a public-private sector partnership.

IDBZ director of infrastructure projects, Dr Reggie Dangarembga, said they expected the second phase of the project to be completed within a year.

“We are now moving into Clipsham Phase Two, which sits on approximately 100 hectares. Our expectation is that within a year or so, the project will be completed.

“This is part of our broader effort to reduce the housing backlog nationwide.”

Dr Dangarembga also noted that IDBZ has housing developments underway in various urban centres across the country, including Harare, Bulawayo, Kadoma, Plumtree and Kwekwe.

Simultaneously, the IDBZ has rolled out a network of student accommodations across the country, tapping into special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) to foster partnerships with pension funds and insurers.

A prominent example is the Bulawayo Student Accommodation Complex, a US$16 million development with 516 double rooms accommodating over 1 000 students including ground-floor commercial outlets.

The complex was developed through Zimcampus Properties Ltd, in which IDBZ holds a 7,67 percent stake, while Old Mutual has 49,37 percent, Zimnat 23,52 percent, and the Motor Industry Pension Fund holds 19,44 percent.

Following this success, IDBZ has initiated preparatory phases for student housing projects at Lupane State University and Catholic University and in Bindura, Chinhoyi, Kwekwe, Mutare and Masvingo.

IDBZ believes this model is a replicable blueprint for mobilising institutional capital and alleviating student overcrowding.

During the Clipsham Phase One board site inspection, IDBZ chairman Dr Kupukile Mlambo reiterated the bank’s catalytic mandate to drive both infrastructure and development finance.

He highlighted the bank’s dual mandate of infrastructure and development finance, positioning it as a key enabler in achieving national goals under Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 priorities.

“We are touring our projects to evaluate how they align with Zimbabwe’s development aspirations, especially the goal of attaining middle-income status by 2030. IDBZ is built on two core legs, infrastructure and development, and we are ensuring both are functioning effectively in pursuit of that vision,” Dr Mlambo said.

IDBZ’s housing footprint stretches beyond major cities.

In Harare’s Hatfield suburb, the bank is spearheading the construction of Mabuto Villas, composed of modern three-bedroom units priced at around US$152 250 and financed through flexible payment plans.

In Bulawayo, IDBZ has invested US$2,6 million in the Willgrove project, which will deliver 114 stands.

The bank has acquired 7,2 hectares in Plumtree to build mixed-use residential, medical and early childhood facilities in line with municipal master plans.

Similar residential initiatives in Filabusi and suburban plots north of Bulawayo, where duplexes and bio-digesters will be introduced to support sustainable living.

Under its infrastructure bond programme, expanded from US$2 billion to US$5 billion, IDBZ has mobilised over US$1 billion to support infrastructure projects.

The funds have financed the construction of Sumben Housing Phase One, which is 99 percent complete, Waneka Phase III, which is at 42 percent completion and the fully finished Elizabeth Park Housing Project.

The bank is now eyeing additional capital for the Willsgrove Housing Project in Bulawayo.

Beyond housing and energy, IDBZ has funded water and agricultural infrastructure projects.

It participated in the construction of Mutange Dam in Gokwe East, completed in 2016 to supply irrigation and township water. The reservoir has a 4,95 million cubic meters capacity.

Through blended financing, SPV structures and a geographically diversified portfolio, IDBZ is galvanised to support Vision 2030 and to bring transformative change across Zimbabwe’s cities, towns, and rural communities.

The post IDBZ poised to expand infrastructure spectrum  appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: 29 death row inmates resentenced – herald

Tanyaradzwa Rusike

TWENTY-NINE former death row inmates have been resentenced by the High Court, with 19 other cases still pending before the courts, following Zimbabwe’s historic abolition of capital punishment last year.

The resentencing process is part of a broader judicial review involving 48 inmates whose sentences are being reconsidered under the new legal framework.

This follows President Mnangagwa’s signing of the Death Penalty Abolition Bill into law on December 31, 2024.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary Mrs Vimbai Nyemba told The Herald that following the passage of the Death Penalty Abolition Act, a stakeholder coordination meeting was held in February to develop an action plan for resentencing individuals.

“The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service provided the Judicial Service Commission with 21 records, which included information on 48 inmates on death row,” she said.

“This submission is intended to facilitate the review and resentencing process for these individuals.”

The inmates were convicted of murder under aggravating circumstances, including premeditation, extreme violence or the loss of life involving vulnerable individuals such as children or older adults.

Mrs Nyemba said the High Court was actively working to finalise all cases and progress was being made.

“Out of these cases, 19 remain pending resolution, while 29 inmates have been resentenced and received a range of alternative penalties,” she said.

“These sentences differ considerably, including options such as extended custodial terms and life imprisonment, based on the unique circumstances of each case.

“At present, there are still 19 inmates whose situations remain unresolved.”

Abolition of the death sentence, she added, marked a deliberate shift from a punitive and retributive justice system to a more rehabilitative approach.

“The abolition of the death penalty represents a significant and progressive advancement for Zimbabwe, which had previously maintained a moratorium on executions,” said Mrs Nyemba.

“The Constitution of 2013 had partially terminated the application of the death penalty, limiting its enforcement to instances of murder under aggravating circumstances.

“Notably, the imposition of this sentence was prohibited for women, individuals under the age of 21 at the time the offence was committed and those over 70 years of age.

“The complete abolition of the death penalty finalises this reform and highlights the importance of the right to life, as well as the promotion and protection of the rights to equality, human dignity and freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, among other fundamental rights.”

Mrs Nyemba said Zimbabwe’s decision aligns with international and regional calls for the abolition of capital punishment.

“By abolishing this practice, Zimbabwe contributes to the global discourse against capital punishment, thereby encouraging other member states to consider similar actions,” she said.

“The Act has amended various provisions within the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, the Genocide Act, the Geneva Conventions Act and the Defence Act.”

Mrs Nyemba said individuals previously sentenced to death represented a risk to society.

“These individuals have committed serious crimes that our judicial system has deemed so severe that they do not warrant mercy,” she said.

“The State is committed to upholding its principles and distinguishing itself from such unacceptable behaviour. While we support the pursuit of leniency, it is crucial to recognise the gravity of the actions committed by these individuals.”

Since independence, the country has carried out 105 executions, with the last one being conducted in July 2005.

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